What to know about Furman Engaged 2023

Be inspired, explore a new subject – and discover what’s possible at Furman! The 15th annual Furman Engaged is almost here. These are a few things to know to make the most of this exciting Furman tradition.

In this daylong celebration of engaged learning at Furman, students will share experiences with undergraduate research, internships, study away, creative projects and performances, service learning, first-year writing seminars, capstone experiences and other things. The next day, Saturday, April 15, everyone is invited to the launch of Clearly Furman, The Campaign for Our Third Century.

“Furman Engaged represents the culmination of The Furman Advantage, when students from across campus show us, through public presentations and performances, what they have learned during the prior year,” said Erik Ching, the Walter Kenneth Mattison Professor of History, interim associate provost for engaged learning and director of undergraduate research.

This year, about 550 students making 700 presentations will share their experiences during 75 sessions. All presentations will be held in person, and some will be live-streamed. Classes are suspended on Furman Engaged, so that the entire campus can take part in the day’s many activities. Students, faculty and staff are invited to enjoy FUISA’s Food Fest 2023, which will offer a delicious menu created by Furman’s International Student Association. The meal is free for faculty and staff, if they present Furman ID. View the presentation program and the Furman Engaged 2023 video.

Willie Cornish ’22 performs during Furman
Engaged 2022.

What is Furman Engaged?

Furman Engaged is a campus-wide celebration that takes place at locations around campus on April 14. The day will feature presentations from across disciplines as we highlight the immersive learning experiences available through The Furman Advantage. The public sharing of students’ work, the final step that students take as part of these immersive learning experiences, is at the center of the day’s events.

How long has it been around?
Fifteen years! But the tradition of engaged learning at Furman stretches back nearly 100 years. Faculty-student research work goes back to the 1930s, and its first faculty-led study away program took place in 1969. Students first started doing internships in the 1970s.

Who attends Furman Engaged?
Students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and employers attend sessions. First-year students and sophomores, in particular, can hear first-hand from upper-level students about the diverse range of experiences available to them and reflect upon their own four-year pathway.

Students enjoy the FUISA International Food Festival at Furman Engaged 2022.

I’m not presenting. Should I still attend?
Definitely. This is why classes are suspended for the entire day. Furman Engaged gives all students the chance to learn from your peers, support your friends, and apply what you are learning in your classes.

What is the Reflection Contest?
It’s an invitation to think about what you shared or learned from your peers – and for a chance to win a prize! After you attend or present at sessions, enter the reflection contest. Win one of several $50 awards for best post and be featured on next year’s Furman Engaged website. There are two ways to participate in this signature event, with a Deep Reflect or a Quick Reflect.

Furman Engaged schedule at a glance

Attend oral presentations and performances, log in to select virtual presentations, and browse posters, while looking forward to a lunch put on by the Furman University International Student Association, the end-of-the-day celebration and a performance of “The Tempest.”

THURSDAY, April 13:  Furman Engaged opens at 4 p.m. with the Pitch Competition sponsored by The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at McAlister Auditorium.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

SESSION #1

9 – 10:15 a.m.

SESSION #2

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

LUNCH

FUISA INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Daniel Dining Hall

SESSION #2

12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

SESSION #3

2 – 3:15 p.m.

RESEARCH POSTER SESSION 1

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Timmons Arena

INTERNSHIP GALLERY WALK

4 – 5:30 p.m.

Timmons Arena

RESEARCH POSTER SESSION 2

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Timmons Arena

FURMAN ENGAGED END OF DAY CELEBRATION 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Timmons Arena

TAILGATE AT THE FOOTBALL FIELD

7:30-11:00 p.m.
All students are welcome

What else is going on this weekend on campus?
You’re invited to the launch of the Clearly Furman, The Campaign for Our Third Century! Enjoy a variety of events and attend faculty presentations on campus at the Furman Showcase on Saturday, April 15. View the presentation schedule and register by March 31.